A federal appeals court has ruled that permanently revoking the right to bear arms for someone convicted of a DUI decades ago violates constitutional protections. The decision challenges the legality of long-term firearm restrictions tied to older offenses, raising questions about how far such penalties can extend. Legal experts will likely weigh in on whether this sets a precedent for similar cases nationwide. The ruling could prompt reviews of existing gun laws tied to past convictions.
The appeals court said it was unconstitutional to permanently disarm Edward Williams based on a 2005 DUI conviction.